*I'm seeking advice from a DIY forum as well, but hoping some crafty HBer can help me too."

My bedroom set is from a collection. While the pieces do not match they strongly coordinate- same wood tone, same brushed nickel color hardware, and curves & circles are repetitive elements. 

Based on limited space in my bedroom one side of the bed has always been without a night stand. I finally found a round table at the right height that will work in that part of the room. The table has two open shelves. Even though the height is just less than an inch lower than the collection's side table I purchased an 18" round by 1" thick wood top to even the height more and repeat a decorative element. The side table is 30" high and 17.5" round.

On the dresser (pictured) is a stone top. My game plan is to faux finish the round wood top and place it on the assembled side table. Pictured is the look I am going for, but this happens to be a 12" bakery marble slab. I have to assemble the (pictured) side table myself, so here are my questions:

1. Any tips for using contact paper on a rounded piece of furnitute?

2. Alternative faux finishes or applications with minimal materials to purchase and use? (The only other project I would want to faux stone is coasters *maybe*, so I'm not looking to have a bunch of leftover stuff)

3. Should I modify the rest of the side table in some way?

a) change current espresso color to something lighter with paint/ spray paint
b) use marble contact paper on the shelves too

4. Once a lamp is placed on both night stands will the inch even matter? ( just focus on #3 & forgo a table topper)

Thanks